2009 Ram 4500 problems

General information about Ram-4500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.

Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.

Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Social links

Common 2009 Ram 4500 problems

The Dodge Ram 4500, produced in 2009, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:

Body Structure Issues: The 2009 Ram 4500 may have less-than-stellar construction, with issues such as tailgates falling open at random due to faulty lock mechanisms, bumper holes drilled too large, defective painting with bubbles underneath, rusting, especially on bolts and bumpers, and rotting of the outer wheelhouse and upper wheel arch area of the bed. These problems can compromise vehicle safety and affect performance and structural integrity.

Coolant Leaks: Multiple coolant leaks are a common problem in the 2009 Ram 4500, affecting model years 2009-2014. The leaks can be difficult to locate, even with a pressure test, and it's possible not to notice the leak until the coolant runs so low that the engine begins to overheat. This issue can be caused by gaskets, the heater hose, hoses to the water pump, or problems with the water pump itself.

Throttle Body Controlled by Gas Pedal Response: The throttle body is what controls the amount of air that goes into the engine, and if there is something wrong with the throttle body, it can cause the engine to hesitate during acceleration. This is often caused by a dirty or faulty throttle body and can be cured by simply resetting the computer or installing a new throttle body. Make sure that the mass airflow sensor is also clean.

It's important to note that these issues may not affect all 2009 Ram 4500 trucks, but they are common complaints from owners. If you're experiencing any of these problems, it's recommended to take your vehicle to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.

Is the RAM 4500 reliable?

Ram 4500 Reliability Problems. 4500 owners have made 11 complaints over 5 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 2nd in overall reliability out of 9 Ram models , with real windows and electrical concerns.

What is the problem with the 2008 Dodge 4500?

Chrysler is recalling 22,274 Sterling Bullet, Dodge Ram and Ram 4500 AND 5500 chassis cabs from the 2008-11 model years to fix a problem with steering components that could lead to a loss of vehicle control, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Is the 2009 Ram 1500 reliable?

Yes, the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 series is a good truck based on information including 65 verified owner reviews, and 18 government and automotive websites.

What engine is in the Ram 4500?

6.4L HEMI® V8

6.4L HEMI® V8 ENGINE.

2009 Ram 4500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ram 4500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Ram 4500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2009 Ram 4500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Ram 4500.

2016-10-21

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-08-01
VIN: 3D6WC66L49G
Components: STEERING
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 RAM 4500. WHILE MAKING TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Add Complaint

2009 Ram 4500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2009 Ram 4500.

2018-01-09

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.

2016-10-13

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles, 2007-2013 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2013 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2013 RAM 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may suddenly fail.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator with a revised alternator, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S68.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2009 Ram 4500 problems:

6.7 W/aisin Trans Reliable In Ram4500?? | Cummins Diesel Forum

https://www.cumminsforum.com/threads/6-7-w-aisin-trans-reliable-in-ram4500.134347/

Mar 24, 2009 ... 2007.5-2009 3rd Gen Dodge 6.7L Cummins · 07.5 ... Ram 4500. I would like to know how the Aisin is ... Also most of the common Dodge problems are ...

Problems with 4500 & 5500 - Dodge Diesel - Diesel Truck Resource ...

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/forums/4500-5500-chassis-cab-trucks-158/problems-4500-5500-a-214936/

Aug 22, 2008 ... 4500 / 5500 - Chassis Cab Trucks - Problems with 4500 ... 4500: No issues to report as of yet accpet a ... dodgedude440 is offline 01-25-2009. Join ...

ECM problems | Cummins Diesel Forum

https://www.cumminsforum.com/threads/ecm-problems.2277858/

Jun 12, 2017 ... it's a known issue ... “Nessy” - 2009 Ram 2500 SXT 6.7 QCLB, identifies as a 5.9. ... Dodge pickups, the Cummins Forum has expanded to include ALL ...

Blend door issues.. Actuator not the problem!!! | DODGE RAM FORUM

https://www.ramforumz.com/threads/blend-door-issues-actuator-not-the-problem.228684/

Dec 20, 2016 ... Earlier this week i jumped in the truck and started it up, set the HVAC control to defrost, and came back out 10 minutes later to a completely ...